We are a diverse and vibrant neighborhood. Our cycle of life needs to be fully celebrated, especially this generation of elders who are not connected to the internet and social media. Their stories need to be heard, their skills passed on, their accomplishments acknowledged and valued. Various neighborhood congregations, civic organizations and groups are coming together to do just that, to celebrate who we are by celebrating our elders.

Wonderful, right? Her volunteers interviewed each honoree and introduced them with parts of their life stories.

Your
Challenge: Choose an Elder to honor in a poem. Make us feel we know her, him or they.

When my mother and grandmother went to town, Ain’t Sally took me for a walk around her place. The farm had belonged to her relatives. We went down to the dry gorge and she pointed out all kinds of roots and trees. She asked me if I knew about the plants of the pasture. I said yes. I thought I was lying. As we walked farther from the house, I remember a hot gusty wind picked up her voice like dust tendrils on bedrock and blew it away from me. I ran to catch the sound. I found Ain’t Sally sitting on a granite rock. —Ala Tek. Indian girl. —Come and see, on our land, the four winds of the old days will blow through our hair. Then she tugged at my black braids. —Come and visit the Snakes, Ala Tek. —When I was your age they blew across this place like red dust devils on flat neutral plains. —Can you see them. —Do you hear the Snake People calling us?

For those who are new to Poets United: Please share only new and original work. Post your poem on your site and then link it here. Please leave a greeting and then visit and comment on our poems.

Next week you are in for a treat!

Our next Midweek Motif ~ Waves is by

Show up to give Sumana a huge welcome!

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34 comments:

A wave hello (sorry, couldn't resist) to Sumana - well done on joining the team..i think you all know Alice by now - I guess it's up to debate if she is older and wiser...thank you for the prompt as ever..and if I don't get back to replies it's not personal - still struggling to get back on my feet...

Sumana we are so excited for you and joining this wonderful team at Poets United.Im glad we have each other in this garden of poets to encourage (on days when we cant get up). Jae Rose we are sending you healing wishes.Susan a terrific prompt.

Hi kids, as always, I am Way Behind. Am staying at Sebastian's this week to look after he and the dogs while his mom is away, so I only have computer access during the middle part of the day - Not Enough Time, LOL. I havent even begin to read, never mind write to this prompt. Will try. Jae, rest well, my friend....somehow I always think of Alice as being young, like one's inner child, full of mischief.

SUMANA! Welcome, my friend! We are so completely thrilled to have you join us. And waves are a perfect prompt, since I am in love with them. Kids, Sumana is featured next Monday as Blog of the Week. Do stop by to enjoy her spectacularly beautiful poems about grief and loss. They will hit your heart in a beautiful way.

Help! Dear Susan, please fix Mr Linky for me. On another site, I helped Marcantonio do a link that wasn't working for him — and forgot I had to change back to my own name for this link here! I enjoyed this prompt, and the wonderful poems you shared above.

I too am thrilled Sumana is joining us, and I too wish good health to Jae. xx

I'm late with my poem, as I have been unwell. This cold UK weather, is taking its toll. Not very spring-like at all, this week. However, I have added my poem, which is very personal.Lovely to see that Sumana is joining the Poets United Team. She is a great supporter and encourager:)I shall visit all other poems, over the next few days,Eileen

Greetings, Poets! Alas, I have written my poem. I may not be as prompt in responding as usual as I have visitors at the moment! What a good topic, Susan! And, of course, really looking forward to having Sumana as a team member!

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